The 190cm South Australian is one of the Lions’ most valuable players in the back half because his rare combination of speed, strength and agility enables him to effectively play on opponents of all shapes and sizes.
So while you can generally count on full-back Daniel Merrett being assigned the job on the opposition’s biggest key forward - Patfull’s task can vary from week to week.
In recent seasons his role has demanded playing on far larger opponents when the team is faced with the prospect of going up against two ‘monster’ forwards in the one side.
Although he often gives away up to 10cm and 10kg at times, Patfull enjoys punching above his own weight.
“Sometimes it can be tough, but I really don’t mind it,” Patfull said.
“With the way defenders set up these days, there aren’t as many one-on-one contests which means you can get away with being a little bit smaller.”
“It’s always a good challenge, but I’ve never found I was too far out of my league.”
The recruitment of former St Kilda defender Matt Maguire in November last year could potentially release Patfull to provide greater drive from the Lions backline.
“I’ll probably get to play more on blokes more my own size - either the third tall or even the smaller guys who can be pretty dangerous like Brad Johnson (Western Bulldogs) and Steve Johnson (Geelong),” he said.
Patfull has developed a close bond with his fellow defenders including Merrett, Josh Drummond, Jed Adcock and Ash McGrath in recent years, but says the Lions defensive group has certainly embraced Maguire as one of ‘them’.
“He’s slotted in beautifully,” he said. “He gets along with all the boys and has been training really well.”
“We’re a pretty tight knit group down there, but we’ve accepted him,” he laughed.
